What does Revelation 9:11 mean?

And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. Revelation 9:11

Explanation

Revelation 9:11 refers to a passage in the Christian New Testament, where it portrays a vision given to the Apostle John, which forms part of a series of apocalyptic events. In this verse, “they” alludes to the locusts described in previous verses (Revelation 9:3-10) that rise from the bottomless pit, bringing torment upon those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The “king” over the locusts is identified as an angel ruling the Abyss, a deep, dark pit or chasm used in Biblical literature to describe a place of the dead or a realm of evil spirits.

The angel’s name is given in two languages: Hebrew as “Abaddon” and Greek as “Apollyon,” both of which mean “Destroyer.” This reveals a dual nature of the angel – he is a destroyer, and his presence has dire consequences for humanity. It suggests a figure of immense power, associated with death and destruction, having a significant role in the apocalyptic events that are described in the Book of Revelation.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation is traditionally believed to have been written by John of Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea, toward the end of the 1st century AD during a time of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. The text is apocalyptic literature and is filled with symbolic imagery that represents the ultimate battle between good and evil, leading to the end of the world and the final judgment.

This verse falls within a section describing the trumpet judgments, a series of catastrophic events unleashed upon the earth, as foreseen by John. Understanding the historical context, including the persecution Christians faced and the use of coded symbolic language which was common in apocalyptic texts, is crucial when interpreting the Book of Revelation and its visions.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Revelation 9:11 has been interpreted from many perspectives. Some view this literally as a future event in which a demonic being will emerge to lead a destructive force against humanity. Others interpret it symbolically, seeing Abaddon/Apollyon as representing forces of chaos and destruction throughout human history rather than a specific end-times figure.

Preterists believe that many of the events in Revelation occurred in the past, during the early days of Christianity, and that the imagery used by John was evocative of events and figures of that era. Futurists, on the other hand, anticipate a literal fulfillment of these prophecies in the future.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Revelation 9:11 for believers vary, but often focus on spiritual vigilance. The passage can be seen as a reminder to be aware of the forces of chaos and evil that can lead people astray. It emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment, moral integrity, and the spiritual seal of God, which is interpreted by many as belief in Christ, to protect one from spiritual harm and ensure alignment with divine purpose.

Cross-References

• Revelation 9:1-3: Describes the release of the locusts from the bottomless pit.
• Revelation 20:1-3: Refers to an angel coming down with the key to the bottomless pit.
• Job 26:6: Hell is naked before God, and Destruction has no covering.
• Proverbs 15:11: Hell and Destruction are before the Lord.

Language Study

The key Hebrew word “אֲבַדּוֹן” (Abaddon) and its Greek equivalent “Ἀπολλύων” (Apollyon) are both derived from roots meaning “to destroy.” In Hebrew, Abaddon comes from the root אָבַד (avad), meaning “to perish” or “destroy.” In Greek, Apollyon is the present participle of the verb ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi), which means “to destroy” or “to kill.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Abaddon and Apollyon have counterparts in various ancient cultures and religions. For example, in Greek mythology, Apollo was a god of plague and was associated with the death-bringing aspects of the sun, which can draw some parallels to the destroyer aspects of Apollyon. Other ancient Mesopotamian and Canaanite deities were also associated with destruction and the underworld, reflecting a common theme across cultures of a divine power over destruction and chaos.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Revelation 9:11 describes events that are not easily explained by natural phenomena. The apocalyptic symbolism used by John is best appreciated for its theological and literary qualities rather than seeking scientific explanations, as the text deals with supernatural events and realms that are outside the scope of empirical investigation.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various explanations for Revelation 9:11. Some argue that it should be understood metaphorically, representing the destructive potential inherent in humanity. Others suggest that the verse is about God’s judgment and that Abaddon/Apollyon personifies the divine aspect of punishment for evil. Conservative commentators might see it as a prophecy about a coming individual or power that will bring about destruction before the final triumph of good. Preterist commentators link the narrative to historical events that early Christians would have recognized, such as the destructive forces of the Roman Empire.